News for 'Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Law'

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.

Govt notice asks Telegram to curb pirated content or face action

Govt notice asks Telegram to curb pirated content or face action

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Indian government has issued a notice to Telegram, demanding a crackdown on the widespread dissemination of pirated films and OTT content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeks an Action Taken Report within 15 days, emphasizing a shift towards platform accountability for copyright infringement, which is deemed a criminal offence.

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A central government committee has upheld the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and integrity, sparking political debate in Punjab.

Centre forms review panel to examine 'Satluj' OTT removal

Centre forms review panel to examine 'Satluj' OTT removal

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a three-member review committee to investigate the removal of the film "Satluj" from the ZEE5 OTT platform. The film, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during Punjab's turbulent 1990s, was briefly available before being taken down, sparking criticism from political parties and Sikh bodies.

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.

'Sutlaj' row: Govt mulls new rules for OTT films, action on ZEE5

'Sutlaj' row: Govt mulls new rules for OTT films, action on ZEE5

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Indian government is considering amending the IT Rules 2021 to introduce compulsory certification for films released on OTT platforms, following a controversy involving the film 'Satluj' which was released without clearances and later taken down due to national security concerns.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release 'Lawrence of Punjab', a docu-series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, after the Punjab Police expressed apprehension that it posed a risk to public order.

Satluj Writer: 'If A Region Has A Violent History, Will We Bury That?'

Satluj Writer: 'If A Region Has A Violent History, Will We Bury That?'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'...Or will we take a positive approach and learn from those mistakes so that it is not repeated in future?'

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

Delhi HC quashes cases against NewsClick, editor Prabir Purkayastha

Delhi HC quashes cases against NewsClick, editor Prabir Purkayastha

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has quashed cases registered by the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate against news portal NewsClick and its editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha, citing that the continuation of the FIR was 'a gross abuse of the process of law' and the investment was an economic decision that 'did not spell out any criminal offence'.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

Allahbadia row: Panel seeks law amendments to tackle abusive online content

Allahbadia row: Panel seeks law amendments to tackle abusive online content

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A parliamentary panel has asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to submit a note on amendments needed in existing laws to clamp down on controversial content like the one involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. Members from different parties voiced concern over Allahbadia's crass comments at a YouTube programme and called for stringent measures to punish him and to ensure that such an incident does not recur. The committee's chairperson and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey shared their concerns at the meeting attended by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju and other senior ministry officials.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

HC clears docu-series on Lawrence Bishnoi, orders title change

HC clears docu-series on Lawrence Bishnoi, orders title change

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre's advisory against the release of ZEE5's docu-series, directing the makers to remove references to "Lawrence" and "Punjab" from the title.

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

Govt examines need for law to regulate digital content

Govt examines need for law to regulate digital content

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is examining the existing statutory provisions and the need for a new legal framework to regulate 'harmful' content amid complaints of 'obscenity and violence' being shown on digital platforms.

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Pakistan launched a military operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan following a series of attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed Pakistani soldiers. The action comes after repeated calls for the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorists from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.

'Barbaric': India condemns Pak airstrike on Kabul rehab centre

'Barbaric': India condemns Pak airstrike on Kabul rehab centre

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, calling it a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability.

India Slams Pakistan's 'Barbaric' Airstrike in Kabul, Calls it Threat to Regional Stability

India Slams Pakistan's 'Barbaric' Airstrike in Kabul, Calls it Threat to Regional Stability

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul, calling it a barbaric act and a threat to regional peace and stability.

Anurag Thakur given charge of Sports, I&B ministry

Anurag Thakur given charge of Sports, I&B ministry

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The 46-year-old MP from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh was among the 15 new Cabinet ministers who took oath in the first major rejig and expansion of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government after it returned to power for a second term in May 2019.

Kerala Story 2: HC issues notices to producers, CBFC

Kerala Story 2: HC issues notices to producers, CBFC

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Kerala high court is now reviewing the certification of The Kerala Story 2 after a petition raised concerns about its potential to incite communal disharmony and misrepresent events related to Kerala.

Centre blocks 25 OTT platforms for 'vulgar' content

Centre blocks 25 OTT platforms for 'vulgar' content

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The ban is aimed at curbing the easy availability of pornographic material, particularly to minors, and ensuring that digital content remains within the bounds of decency and the law, they said.

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The story of Ghooskhor Pandat focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility -- to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.'

Pakistan presses Taliban in Istanbul talks over cross-border terror

Pakistan presses Taliban in Istanbul talks over cross-border terror

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Pakistan has handed over evidence-based demands to mediators in Istanbul talks with the Afghan Taliban, aiming to end cross-border terrorism. The talks follow recent border clashes and aim to defuse tensions between the two sides.

Govt bans broadcast of Delhi gang-rape documentary

Govt bans broadcast of Delhi gang-rape documentary

Rediff.com4 Mar 2015

The government on Wednesday said it would not allow broadcast of a controversial documentary featuring a convict as members of the December 16 Delhi gang rape as members of Parliament, cutting across party lines, expressed outrage over the incident.

CAB stir: IB ministry issues advisory to news channels

CAB stir: IB ministry issues advisory to news channels

Rediff.com12 Dec 2019

The advisory was issued after some TV channels beamed footage of violent protests in the Northeast.

FTII row: Student protesters detained outside I&B ministry office

FTII row: Student protesters detained outside I&B ministry office

Rediff.com15 Sep 2015

12 student protestors were detained.

No showing divisive content, I&B ministry tells TV networks

No showing divisive content, I&B ministry tells TV networks

Rediff.com9 Nov 2019

The ministry of information and broadcasting on Saturday issued an advisory to all television channels and cable TV operators in the wake of the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict to adhere to programme code and ensure that debates, discussions and visuals do not incite any "divisive" or "anti-national" feelings.

HC asks Union ministries to reply on plea against Raj

HC asks Union ministries to reply on plea against Raj

Rediff.com12 Mar 2013

The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the Union ministries of Law and Judiciary and information and broadcasting to file its reply on a contempt petition against MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

EC seeks details of Namo TV from I&B ministry

EC seeks details of Namo TV from I&B ministry

Rediff.com3 Apr 2019

According to government sources, the ministry is likely to take a line that it is an advertisement channel which does not require a prior permission and it is run on certain DTH channels on payment made by the BJP.

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An first information report (FIR) was registered on Tuesday against Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami for allegedly running false information, police said.

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has taken to social media with a cryptic message.

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Madras High Court has ordered Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited to remove a caricature depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackled in chains during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the caricature, published in the magazine, was not protected under freedom of expression and could be considered offensive under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court also directed the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to unblock the Ananda Vikatan website upon receipt of confirmation that the caricature has been removed.